Plans for a new extension at the Spenborough Pool and Fitness Complex to replace some services in the current Whitcliffe Mount building in Cleckheaton have been announced by the council.

Kirklees Active Leisure and the council are hoping to build additional space covering the health and fitness provision currently available on the Whitcliffe site.

The modular build units for studio and fitness use could be in place quickly, with the preference being for it to open before Whitcliffe Mount current provision is closed.

But there is no scope for the three bowling rinks to be included.

Councillors and officers would then look at provision as a whole to see ow to cover what is not included in the new centre taking into account what will be provided in the new Whitcliffe Sports Hall and what is available elsewhere.

Clr David Sheard, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We have discussed at Policy Committee the development of a new sports facilities strategy, currently being undertaken with the support of Sport England. We intend to take a strategic approach to facility development to ensure that any investment of very scarce resources meets strategic council objectives and the most pressing needs of our communities.

“This looks to be a plan worth considering. The modular build extension would cater for the health and fitness opportunities that are currently in place at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre, which equals almost 50% of current use of the site.

“We know that in the long term there would be a huge issue if there is no swimming provision in the Spen Valley. The ambition to build a new Sports Centre to include swimming at Princess Mary is an ambition shared by local people and the council, the council having adopted this as a priority.

“We do not want to be in a position where we don’t have facilities for current users, and we will have to work with partners to offer alternatives for activities not included in the modular build interim project, wherever possible”.